Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (Resources)

Training Resources

Individuals interested in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy and research can visit the MAPS Public Benefit Corp Therapy Training webpage to sign up for the training newsletter to receive updates on training opportunities and view application procedures and requirements for the MDMA Therapy Training Program. 

The MAPS PBC Therapy Provider Connect Portal is a community discussion forum for therapy providers, physicians, and facilities to connect with one another to develop a site or treatment staff, in order to become eligible to participate in a MAPS Public Benefit Corp MDMA PTSD protocol. 

Another training opportunity for practitioners interested in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy is the CIIS Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research Certificate. Additionally, there are alternative therapeutic approaches available now that can be complementary to psychedelic-assisted therapy, such as Internal Family Systems, Holotropic Breathwork, Hakomi, and Somatic Experiencing

Other useful experiences on the path to becoming a psychedelic therapist may include volunteering to provide psychedelic peer harm reduction through the Zendo Project, opportunities to work with the individuals at the end of life as a chaplain or death doula, mediating peer support groups, or supporting individuals impacted by trauma. 

Information for students interested in the field of psychedelic therapy and research can be found on the MAPS website.

Recommended Reading List

The Way of the Psychonaut: Encyclopedia for Inner Journeys (Volume One) and (Volume Two) by Stan Grof

The Cosmic Game: Explorations of the Frontiers of Human Consciousness by Stan Grof

Beyond the Brain: Birth, Death, and Transcendence in Psychotherapy by Stan Grof

Consciousness Medicine: Indigenous Wisdom, Entheogens, and Expanded States of Consciousness for Healing and Growth by Françoise Bourzat and Kristina Hunter 

The Ethics of Caring: Honoring the Web of Life in Our Professional Healing Relationships by Kylea Taylor

The Healing Journey: Pioneering Approaches to Psychedelic Therapy by Claudio Naranjo

War and the Soul: Healing Our Nation’s Veterans from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by Edward Tick

Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha by Tara Brach

A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life by Jack Kornfield

The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace by Jack Kornfield

Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky and Connie Burk

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle

From Fixation to Freedom: The Enneagram of Liberation by Eli Jaxon-Bear

Essential Enneagram: The Definitive Personality Test and Self-Discovery Guide by David Daniels and Virginia Price

Doing Not Doing: A Facilitator’s Guide by Tav Sparks

The Places that Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times by Pema Chodron

Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence — from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror by Judith Herman

Body-Centered Psychotherapy by Ron Kurtz

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

Soulcollage: An Intuitive Collage Process for Individuals and Groups by Seena B. Frost

Dictionary of Symbolism: Cultural Icons and the Meanings Behind Them by Hans Biedermann

The Four-Fold Way: Walking the Paths of the Warrior, Teacher, Healer, and Visionary by Angeles Arrien

The Transforming Power Of Affect: A Model For Accelerated Change by Diana Fosha

Right Use Of Power: The Heart of Ethics by Cedar Barstow

The End of Your World: Uncensored Straight Talk on the Nature of Enlightenment by Adyashanti

In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness by Peter A. Levine

The Inner World of Trauma by Donald Kalsched

Confrontation with the Unconscious: Jungian Depth Psychology and Psychedelic Experience by Scott J. Hill

Additional Reading Focused on Cultural Trauma and Culturally Informed Care

Toward Psychologies of Liberation by Mary Watkins and Helene Schulman

My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem

Embodied Social Justice by Rae Johnson

Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Joy DeGruy

Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love, and Liberation by Angel Kyodo Williams, Lama Rod Owens, and Jasmine Syedullah

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo

What Does It Mean to Be White?: Developing White Racial Literacy by Robin DiAngelo

Towards Collective Liberation: Anti-Racist Organizing, Feminist Praxis, and Movement Building Strategy by Chris Crass

The Way of Tenderness: Awakening through Race, Sexuality, and Gender by Zenju Earthlyn Manuel